20 best multivitamins for dogs

Editor’s Note: Upworthy earns a percentage of revenue from items purchased on this list. In the realm of responsible pet care, ensuring the well-being of our canine companions goes beyond cuddles and playtime. With the goal of providing comprehensive and balanced nutrition in mind, the significance of multivitamins tailored for dogs becomes increasingly apparent. As…

Upworthy Staff

Sep 28, 2023

Array – Photo credit: Array

Editor’s Note: Upworthy earns a percentage of revenue from items purchased on this list.

In the realm of responsible pet care, ensuring the well-being of our canine companions goes beyond cuddles and playtime. With the goal of providing comprehensive and balanced nutrition in mind, the significance of multivitamins tailored for dogs becomes increasingly apparent. As startling statistics reveal that over 50% of dogs across the globe exhibit vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and considering that nearly 80% of a dog’s immune system is intricately linked to its gut health, we embark on a journey to explore the 20 best multivitamins meticulously formulated to bolster the vitality and longevity of our furry friends.

20 best multivitamins for dogs

Pupper Canine Multi Soft Chew

Hand holding a Sundry dog food bag against a pink background.

Pupper Canine Multi Soft Chew is the perfect multivitamin supplement for your furry friend. These soft chews are specifically formulated to provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. With a variety of essential nutrients including vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as B-complex vitamins and minerals such as calcium and magnesium, Pupper Canine Multi Soft Chew is the perfect way to support your dog’s overall health and well-being. Not only are they delicious and easy to administer, but they also provide the necessary nutrients required to keep your dog’s immune system strong, maintain healthy skin and coat, and support healthy bones and joints. Give your dog the gift of good health with Pupper Canine Multi Soft Chew.

Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Bites

Are you looking for a way to help your furry friend stay healthy and happy? Look no further than Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Bites. These multivitamins for dogs contain a blend of essential vitamins and minerals to support immune function, skin and coat health, joint health, and more. With delicious ingredients like peanut butter and chicken flavor, your pup will look forward to taking their daily dose. Plus, these bites are grain-free and made in the USA with only natural ingredients. Give your dog the boost they need with Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Bites.

Vet Promise Dog Multivitamin Chewable with Glucosamine

As dog owners, we all want our furry friends to stay healthy and happy for as long as possible. To ensure that they get all the vital nutrients they need, many pet owners turn to multivitamins for dogs. The Vet Promise Dog Multivitamin Chewable with Glucosamine is an excellent option for those in search of a high-quality dog multivitamin. It contains a blend of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as glucosamine to support joint health. What’s more, these chewable tablets are delicious and easy for your dog to digest. By providing your pet with this top-quality supplement, you can help keep them in the best possible shape for years to come.

HUGGIBLES All-in-One Multi Liquid Vitamin for Dogs

Veterinarian Recommended Complete Multi, pet supplement, with illustration of a blue dog.

As dog owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry friends. We make sure they get the proper nutrition they need to keep them healthy and happy. But sometimes, even with the best efforts put forth, our pets can still be lacking in certain vitamins and minerals. That’s where HUGGIBLES All-in-One Multi Liquid Vitamin for Dogs comes in. This amazing product delivers all the essential multivitamins for dogs in one easy-to-administer liquid form. It’s a great addition to any dog’s diet, helping to ensure they maintain strong bones and healthy coats, promoting heart and immune system health, and providing other benefits. Say hello to stronger, healthier, happier furry family members with HUGGIBLES All-in-One Multi Liquid Vitamin for Dogs.

Pet Naturals Daily Multivitamin for Dogs

Pet Naturals Daily Multi container for dogs with golden retriever image.

As responsible pet owners, we all know that taking care of our furry friends is a top priority. Just like humans, dogs also require a balanced diet and essential vitamins to maintain their health and wellbeing. That’s where Pet Naturals Daily Multivitamin for Dogs comes in – a specially formulated multivitamin that can help support your dog’s overall vitality. These chewable tablets are designed to provide all the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your furry friend might not receive from their food alone, promoting healthy growth and immunity. With Pet Naturals Daily Multivitamin for Dogs, you can rest assured that your pet is getting the daily dose of vitamins that they need to lead a happy and healthy life.

Pet Honesty 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin

Pet Honesty multivitamin jar for adult dogs with a Golden Retriever image.

As pet owners, we all want to provide the best care possible for our furry friends. Ensuring that they’re healthy and happy is at the top of our priority list. As important as providing nutritious meals and regular exercise is for our dogs, they may still require additional supplementation. That’s where multivitamins for dogs come in. The Pet Honesty 10-in-1 Dog Multivitamin is an excellent choice. It provides a complete range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your dog’s immune system, joint health, digestive system, and more. With this multivitamin, you can count on your four-legged friend being as healthy and vibrant as possible.

Meg & Hugo Multivitamin for Dogs

As pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry friends live long, healthy lives filled with tail wags and belly rubs. One way to support our dogs’ overall health and well-being is by incorporating multivitamins into their daily routine. That’s where Meg & Hugo Multivitamin for Dogs comes in. This specially formulated blend of essential vitamins and minerals helps support a dog’s immune system, joint health, and overall vitality. With natural ingredients like salmon oil, cranberry extract, and vitamin E, Meg & Hugo Multivitamin for Dogs is a safe and easy way to give your pup the boost they need to thrive. Give your pup the gift of good health with Meg & Hugo Multivitamin for Dogs.

VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Dogs

VetriScience Canine Plus Multivitamin packaging with a dog image.

As pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry companions receive the best care possible. One aspect of their well-being that we may overlook is their nutritional needs. This is where multivitamins for dogs, such as VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin, come in handy. These supplements provide a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your dog’s overall health. With daily use, you can rest assured that your pup is receiving the essential nutrients they need to thrive. So, whether you have a growing puppy or a senior dog, consider adding a multivitamin to their diet for optimal health and happiness.

VetIQ Multi Vitamin Supplement for Dogs

Dog multivitamin packet with smiling golden retriever, 90 hickory smoke-flavored chews.

VetIQ Multi Vitamin Supplement for Dogs is a comprehensive blend of key vitamins and minerals essential to support your furry friend’s overall health and well-being. Designed to provide essential nutrients that are often missing from a dog’s diet, VetIQ’s multivitamins for dogs are the perfect way to fill in any nutritional gaps and ensure that your pet is receiving the support they need. Whether you have a growing puppy or a senior dog, the right multivitamin supplement can go a long way in helping keep your pet happy and healthy. With VetIQ’s easy-to-administer chewable tablets, daily supplements for your dog can be a breeze. So whether you are looking to support cognitive function in older dogs or provide vital nutrients for growing puppies, VetIQ’s multivitamin supplements are a great choice to help keep your pup at their best.

VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Senior Dogs

VetriScience Canine Plus Senior Multivitamin for dogs, 60 bite-sized chews in a jar.

As our furry friends age, it’s important to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients to maintain their health and happiness. VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Senior Dogs provides just that, with a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals designed specifically for aging dogs. This multivitamin supports joint health, cognitive function, and immune system function, all while promoting overall vitality and well-being. From antioxidant-rich nutrients like Vitamin E to joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine, this multivitamin covers all the bases to keep your senior dog feeling its best. Give them the gift of optimal health with VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Senior Dogs.

ZEBORA Daily Multi for Dogs

Dog multivitamin supplement jar with 120 chicken-flavored chews, featuring health benefits.

As we strive to promote good health and well-being for our furry friends, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition is key. Enter the ZEBORA Daily Multi for Dogs, a comprehensive multivitamin supplement formulated to support your dog’s immune system, energy levels, joint health, and more. Perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes, this daily supplement contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may be missing from your dog’s diet, helping to fill any nutritional gaps and support their overall health. Give your pooch the boost they need with the ZEBORA Daily Multi for Dogs.

Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Chewables for Adult Dogs

Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite for dogs, daily vitamins, 120 liver flavor chewables bottle.

As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to be healthy and happy. That’s why it’s important to ensure that they’re getting all the nutrients they need to thrive. While a balanced diet is essential, sometimes our dogs may need a little extra help. That’s where Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Chewables for Adult Dogs come in. These multivitamins are specifically formulated to provide your adult dog with essential vitamins and minerals that may be missing from their diet. They come in a tasty chewable form, making it easy to give your pup the extra boost they need. With Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Chewables, you can rest assured that your dog is getting the nutrients they need to live their happiest, healthiest life possible.

FORTE NATURALS Collagen Peptide Pills

Collagen peptides supplement bottle with 100 easy-to-swallow tablets, by Forte Naturals.

Pregnancy is a time of immense joy and excitement, but it can also be challenging for some women. One common issue during pregnancy is the depletion of collagen in the body, which may lead to various health complications. Thankfully, there are collagen supplements available that can help expecting mothers maintain healthy levels of this essential protein. FORTE NATURALS Collagen Peptide Pills are a great option for women looking to boost their collagen intake during pregnancy. Made from high-quality marine collagen, these pills are easily absorbed by the body, providing a wide range of benefits, from improving skin elasticity to supporting joint health. With FORTE NATURALS Collagen Peptide Pills, pregnant women can rest assured that they are getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and feel their best.

Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex

Collagen is a critical type of protein found in various parts of the human body. When it comes to pregnancy, collagen plays a crucial role in the development and growth of the placenta, the organ that nourishes the unborn baby. Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex is a product designed to help women enhance their collagen levels during pregnancy. This supplement is made of high-quality ingredients, including collagen from four sources, which provides essential amino acids necessary for the body to produce collagen on its own. Collagen supplements for pregnancy are becoming more popular because of the numerous benefits they offer, including better skin elasticity and smoother joint movements. With Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex, women can support their health and their baby’s development, making their pregnancy journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

Codeage Multi Collagen + Gut Blend Supplement

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular in recent times, and for good reason. The benefits of collagen are vast and include promoting healthy hair, skin, nails, and, most importantly, supporting your gut health. Collagen supplements like Codeage Multi Collagen + Gut Blend Supplement take it one step further by incorporating a gut-healthy blend that includes probiotics and prebiotics. These supplements are not just for fitness enthusiasts or beauty mavens; they are especially useful for pregnant women. Studies show that collagen supplements for pregnancy can help to reduce stretch marks and improve skin elasticity postpartum. Additionally, many expecting mothers experience digestive issues during pregnancy, and these collagen supplements can promote overall gut health, which can aid in digestion. In short, Codeage Multi Collagen + Gut Blend Supplement is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive supplement to support their health while navigating pregnancy.

OPTIWIZE Collagen Plus

Bottle of Optiwize Health supplement for joint and tissue support with 320 capsules.

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular among pregnant women looking to boost their skin’s health and overall well-being. OPTIWIZE’s Collagen Plus is an excellent option for expecting mothers seeking high-quality collagen supplementation. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is responsible for keeping our connective tissues healthy and strong. The addition of collagen supplements to a pregnancy diet can improve skin elasticity, promote joint health, and support healthy hair and nails. OPTIWIZE’s Collagen Plus contains hydrolyzed collagen peptides, making it quick and easy for the body to absorb. Additionally, this product is non-GMO, gluten-free, and does not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives. Trust OPTIWIZE Collagen Plus to provide exceptional support during your pregnancy journey.

Like Mine Marine Collagen

Collagen supplements such as Like Mine Marine Collagen have become increasingly popular in recent years for their potential health benefits. Among them, pregnant women can benefit from collagen supplements, which can provide the nutritional support needed during pregnancy. Collagen supplements for pregnancy can help support skin elasticity, and joint health, and promote healthy hair and nails. Like Mine Marine Collagen is a premium source of marine collagen that is sustainably sourced from wild-caught fish, making it a safe and reliable option for expectant mothers. Incorporating Like Mine Marine Collagen into one’s pregnancy routine can help support both physical and mental health during this transformative time.

Nature Made Collagen Gummies with Vitamin C, Zinc and Biotin

Nature Made Collagen Gummies bottle with lemon flavor image on the label.

Nature Made Collagen Gummies with Vitamin C, Zinc, and Biotin offer a convenient way to nourish your body and promote healthy skin, hair, and nails. Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin elasticity, bone strength, and joint mobility. For expectant mothers, collagen supplements for pregnancy may also provide added benefits. Vitamin C, zinc, and biotin found in these gummies may help support a healthy immune system and promote healthy pregnancy outcomes. Whether you’re looking to support your pregnancy or simply enhance your overall health, Nature Made Collagen Gummies can help you reach your goals.

Physician’s CHOICE Collagen Peptides Powder w/ Digestive Enzymes

Pink container of collagen peptides, labeled for post-workout and recovery.

Collagen supplements have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their numerous benefits for the skin, joints, and muscles. However, what many people don’t know is that collagen supplements can also be incredibly beneficial during pregnancy. Physician’s CHOICE Collagen Peptides Powder w/ Digestive Enzymes is a perfect option for pregnant women who want to support their own health as well as the development of their baby. Collagen peptides provide the amino acids that are essential for healthy fetal development, while the digestive enzymes in the powder help to ensure proper nutrient absorption. This supplement is a safe and easy way for expecting mothers to support their bodies and promote optimal health.

Rae Wellness Vegan Collagen Boost Powder

Rae Vegan Collagen Boost supplement jar with brown label and yellow text.

Collagen supplements have been growing in popularity in recent years, with people of all ages and backgrounds looking for ways to improve their skin, hair, and overall health. But as more and more women turn to collagen to support healthy pregnancies, the demand for safe and effective collagen supplements for pregnancy has increased. Rae Wellness Vegan Collagen Boost Powder is one option that many women are turning to. Made with plant-based ingredients like amla fruit and bamboo extract, this collagen powder provides a natural boost to collagen production that can support healthy skin, hair, and nails during pregnancy. And since it’s vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, it’s a safe and healthy choice for both mother and baby. If you’re looking for a collagen supplement to support a healthy pregnancy, Rae Wellness Vegan Collagen Boost Powder might be just what you need.

ELMNT Super Collagen Burn

Black jar of Multi Collagen Burn supplement, raspberry lemonade flavor.

Are you pregnant and looking for a collagen supplement to support your body during this special time? Look no further than ELMNT Super Collagen Burn. This collagen powder is designed to provide support for healthy hair, skin, and nails, while also promoting weight loss and fat burning. Made with hydrolyzed collagen peptides, ELMNT Super Collagen Burn is easily absorbed by the body, making it a highly effective supplement for anyone seeking to enhance their overall health and wellness. Plus, with no artificial fillers or additives, you can feel good about making this product a part of your daily routine during your pregnancy and beyond.

NeoCell Collagen, Vitamin C & Biotin Supplement, Beauty Builder

NeoCell Beauty Builder gummies bottle for hair, skin, and nails with collagen and biotin.

Collagen supplements are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to support healthy skin, hair, and nails. However, many women wonder if collagen supplements are safe to take during pregnancy. The good news is that NeoCell Collagen, Vitamin C & Biotin Supplement, Beauty Builder is formulated with non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free ingredients, making it a safe choice for expectant mothers. This unique blend contains 6,000mg of collagen with biotin and vitamin C, which work together to support healthy hair, skin, and nails. So, if you’re looking for a beauty supplement that’s safe to take during pregnancy, NeoCell Collagen, Vitamin C & Biotin Supplement, Beauty Builder may be just what you need.

Caribou Nutrition Multi Collagen Pills

White bottle of Caribou Nutrition Multi Collagen supplement with 180 capsules.

If you’re looking for a reliable source of collagen supplements during your pregnancy, Caribou Nutrition Multi Collagen Pills may just be the answer you’re looking for. Collagen is a crucial protein that our bodies need to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. During pregnancy, our body’s collagen needs increase due to the growth and development of the baby. These collagen supplements from Caribou Nutrition are packed with a variety of collagen types that are essential for supporting healthy joints, bones, and tendons. They are also free of any harmful chemicals or additives, making them safe for pregnant women to consume. Incorporating these multi-collagen pills into your diet may help ensure that both you and your baby are getting the necessary nutrients for optimal health during pregnancy.

Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C

Collagen supplement bottle with colorful design, labeled for skin, hair, and nail health.

Collagen supplements have grown in popularity over the past few years due to the many benefits they offer, especially for pregnant women. One supplement that stands out is Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C. This highly absorbable supplement provides essential support for mother and baby during pregnancy. Collagen helps maintain skin elasticity, which is especially important for women as their skin stretches to accommodate a growing baby. Additionally, collagen supports healthy bones and joints, which can become strained during pregnancy. Vitamin C further adds to the benefits of collagen, aiding in the absorption of the supplement and supporting the immune system. With Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C, pregnant women can feel confident that they are getting the support they need for a healthy pregnancy.

Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Living Collagen Nutritional Powder

Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Living Collagen Nutritional Powder is a popular choice when it comes to collagen supplements. It is made from grass-fed cows and contains a diverse array of nutrients such as collagen, connective tissue, minerals, and glycine. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and joints. In addition, this nutritional powder is perfect for pregnant women who want to incorporate collagen supplements into their diet. Collagen supplements for pregnancy are extremely important because they help support the growth and development of the baby. So, if you’re looking for a collagen supplement that is both nutritious and delicious, look no further than Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Living Collagen Nutritional Powder.

Live Conscious Collagen Peptides Powder

Collagen Peptides powder pouch, with measuring scoop, for hair, skin, and joint support.

Collagen supplements have been growing in popularity in recent years due to their potential benefits for skin, hair, and joint health. For pregnant women, the use of collagen supplements can provide additional nutritional support for both the mother and developing child. Live Conscious Collagen Peptides Powder is one option that is specifically formulated to be clean, pure, and easy to digest. This collagen powder is made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen, with no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavors. It is also gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO, making it a safe choice for women who are expecting. Adding Live Conscious Collagen Peptides Powder to your daily routine can help support optimum collagen levels during pregnancy and promote overall health and wellness.

NeoCell Super Collagen Powder

NeoCell collagen peptides container, unflavored, for skin, hair, nails, and joint support.

Collagen supplements have been growing in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. The benefits of collagen for the body span far and wide, from promoting healthy hair and nails to improving joint health. For pregnant women, collagen supplements can also play a role in supporting the growing baby. NeoCell Super Collagen Powder is a popular option for those looking to boost their collagen intake. This powder is made from hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are easily absorbed by the body. While there isn’t much research into the safety of collagen supplements during pregnancy, many women have reported positive results from using NeoCell Super Collagen Powder during this time. As always, it’s best to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen while pregnant.

ForestLeaf – Collagen Pills with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C

Black bottle of ForestLeaf Advanced Collagen with capsules beside it.

Collagen supplements are gaining momentum in the wellness industry. One popular brand, ForestLeaf, offers collagen pills with added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. These supplements claim to help improve the overall health and appearance of skin, hair, and nails. But where does that leave expecting mothers? Many people are turning to collagen supplements for pregnancy, as studies have shown that regular collagen intake can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, it’s important to note that not all collagen supplements are safe for pregnancy, so it’s important to consult with a medical professional before adding any new supplements to your regimen.

MaryRuth’s Collagen Boosting Gummy for Hair Skin & Nails

Pink bottle of vegan collagen-boosting gummies, watermelon flavor, 3-month supply.

Collagen-boosting supplements have been around for a while, and they’ve seen a steady rise in popularity over the years. One particular brand that has made waves in the supplement world is MaryRuth’s Collagen Boosting Gummy for Hair Skin & Nails. These gummies are packed with carefully selected ingredients that help support healthy hair, skin, and nails. But did you know that these gummies can also be a great addition to a pregnant woman’s diet? Collagen supplements for pregnancy have become increasingly popular due to their potential benefits for both the mother and the developing baby. MaryRuth’s Collagen Boosting Gummy can help support healthy skin elasticity, provide nourishment for hair, and help strengthen nails, all of which can suffer during pregnancy. As with any supplement, it’s important to consult with your doctor before adding it to your regimen.

Sanar Naturals Collagen Pills with Vitamin C, E

Bottle of collagen wrinkle formula capsules, 150 count.

As women navigate pregnancy, they often wonder what products they should and shouldn’t use to support their growing baby and maintain their own health. One supplement that has recently gained popularity among pregnant women is Sanar Naturals Collagen Pills with Vitamin C, and E. Collagen supplements are praised for their ability to support healthy skin, hair, and nails, but they also provide essential proteins for bone and joint health. The addition of Vitamin C and E enhances the absorption of collagen, allowing the body to reap the maximum benefits. These collagen pills are a natural way to support overall health during pregnancy without any harsh chemicals or additives. As with any supplement, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating it into your routine.

As the curtain draws on our exploration of the 30 best collagen supplements for pregnancy, it is evident that these meticulously chosen options offer not only potential benefits for skin elasticity, addressing the 95% of pregnant women experiencing skin stretching but also hold promise in mitigating musculoskeletal discomfort, a concern reported by up to 75% of expectant mothers. Navigating the realm of pregnancy requires well-informed choices, and while these collagen supplements can play a supportive role, it’s imperative to consult with healthcare providers before incorporating any new elements into the journey of prenatal care.

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Youth-led party for community engagement, MEDEA, Tanzania Captured by James Roh for Pura

Culture, Education, Empowered Women, Equality, Family, Identity, Modern Families

The next generation of female leaders has arrived. Here’s how they’re making sure they (and every girl) get a chance to learn.

Malala Fund and their local partners, with support from Pura, help girls find their voice. The result: greater access to education and a better world.

Sarah Watts

3/8/2026

Music, community and joy drive real change

In a small village in Pwani, a district on Tanzania’s coast, a massive dance party is coming to a close. For the past two hours, locals have paraded through the village streets, singing and beating ngombe drums; now, in a large clearing, a woman named Sheilla motions for everyone to sit facing a large projector screen. A film premiere is about to begin.

It’s an unusual way to kick off a film about gender bias, inequality, early marriage, and other barriers that prevent girls from accessing education in Tanzania. But in Pwani and beyond, local organizations supported by Malala Fund and funded by Pura are finding creative, culturally relevant ways like this one to capture people’s interest.

The film ends and Sheilla, the Communications and Partnership Lead for Media for Development and Advocacy (MEDEA), stands in front of the crowd once again, asking the audience to reflect: What did you think about the film? How did it relate to your own experience? What can we learn?

Sheilla explains that, once the community sees the film, “It brings out conversations within themselves, reflective conversations.” The resonance and immediate action create a ripple effect of change.

MEDEA Screening Audience in Tanzania. Captured by James Roh for Pura

Across Tanzania, gender-based violence often forces adolescent girls out of the classroom. This and other barriers — including child marriage, poverty, conflict, and discrimination — prevent girls from completing their education around the world.

Sheilla and her team are using film and radio programs to address the challenges girls face in their communities. MEDEA’s ultimate goal is to affirm education as a fundamental right for everyone, and to ensure that every member of a community understands how girls’ education contributes to a stronger whole and how to be an ally for their sisters, daughters, granddaughters, friends, nieces, and girlfriends.

Sheilla’s story is one of many that inspired Heart on Fire, a new fragrance from the Pura x Malala Fund Collection that blends the warm, earthy spices of Tanzania with a playful, joyful twist. Here’s how Pura is using scent as a tool to connect the world and inspire action.

A partnership focused on local impact, on a global mission

Pura, a fragrance company that recognizes education as both freedom and a human right, has partnered with Malala Fund since 2022. In order to defend every girl’s right to access and complete 12 years of education, Malala Fund partners with local organizations in countries where the educational barriers are the greatest. They invest in locally-led solutions because they know that those who are closest to the problems are best equipped to solve and build durable solutions, like MEDEA, which works with communities to challenge discrimination against girls and change beliefs about their education.

But local initiatives can thrive and scale more powerfully with global support, which is why Pura is using their own superpower, the power of scent, to connect people around the world with the women and girls in these local communities.

The Pura x Malala Fund Collection incorporates ingredients naturally found in Tanzania, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Brazil: countries where Malala Fund operates to address systemic education barriers. Eight percent of net revenue from the Pura x Malala Fund Collection will be donated to Malala Fund directly, but beyond financial support, the Collection is also a love letter to each unique community, blending notes like lemon, jasmine, cedarwood, and clove to transport people, ignite their senses, and help them draw inspiration and hope from the global movement for girls’ education. Through scent, people can connect to the courage, joy, and tenacity of girls and local leaders, all while uniting in a shared commitment to education: the belief that supporting girls’ rights in one community benefits all of us, everywhere.

You’ve already met Sheilla. Now see how Naiara and Mama Habiba are building unique solutions to ensure every girl can learn freely and dare to dream.

Naiara Leite is reimagining what’s possible in Brazil

Julia with Odara in Brazil. Captured by Luisa Dorr for Pura

In Brazil, where pear trees and coconut plantations cover the Northeastern Coast, girls like ten-year-old Julia experience a different kind of educational barrier than girls in Tanzania. Too often, racial discrimination contributes to high dropout rates among Black, quilombola and Indigenous girls in the country.

“In the logic of Brazilian society, Black people don’t need to study,” says Naiara Leite, Executive Coordinator of Odara, a women-led organization and Malala Fund partner. Bahia, the state where Odara is based, was once one of the largest slave-receiving territories in the Americas, and because of that history, deeply-ingrained, anti-Black prejudice is still widespread. “Our role and the image constructed around us is one of manual labor,” Naiara says.

But education can change that. In 2020, with assistance from a Malala Fund grant, Odara launched its first initiative for improving school completion rates among Black, quilombola, and Indigenous girls: “Ayomidê Odara”. The young girls mentored under the program, including Julia, are known as the Ayomidês. And like the Pura x Malala Fund Collection’s Brazil: Breath of Courage scent, the Ayomidês are fierce, determined, and bursting with energy.

Ayomidês with Odara in Brazil. Captured by Luisa Dorr for Pura

Ayomidês take part in weekly educational sessions where they explore subjects like education and ethnic-racial relations. The girls are encouraged to find their own voices by producing Instagram lives, social media videos, and by participating in public panels. Already, the Ayomidês are rewriting the narrative on what’s possible for Afro-Brazilian girls to achieve. One of the earliest Ayomidês, a young woman named Debora, is now a communications intern. Another former Ayomidê, Francine, works at UNICEF, helping train the next generation of adolescent leaders. And Julia has already set her sights on becoming a math teacher or a model.

“These are generations of Black women who did not have access to a school,” Naiara says. “These are generations of Black women robbed daily of their dreams. And we’re telling them that they could be the generation in their family to write a new story.”

Mama Habiba is reframing the conversation in Nigeria

Centre for Girls' Education, Nigeria. Captured by James Roh for Pura

In Mama Habiba’s home country of Nigeria, the scents of starfruit, ylang ylang and pineapple, all incorporated into the Pura x Malala Collection’s “Nigeria: Hope for Tomorrow,” can be found throughout the vibrant markets. Like these native scents, Mama Habiba says that the Nigerian girls are also bright and passionate, but too often they are forced to leave school long before their potential fully blooms.

“Some of these schools are very far, and there is an issue of quality, too,” Mama Habiba says. “Most parents find out when their children are in school, the girls are not learning. So why allow them to continue?”

When girls drop out of secondary school, marriage is often the alternative. In Nigeria, one in three girls is married before the age of 18. When this happens, girls are unable to fulfill their potential, and their families and communities lose out on the social, health and economic benefits.

Completing secondary school delays marriage, and according to UNESCO, educated girls become women who raise healthier children, lift their families out of poverty and contribute to more peaceful, resilient communities.

Centre for Girls’ Education, Nigeria. Captured by James Roh for Pura

To encourage young girls to stay in school, the Centre for Girls’ Education, a nonprofit in Nigeria founded by Mama Habiba and supported by Malala Fund and Pura, has pioneered an initiative that’s similar to the Ayomidê workshops in Brazil: safe spaces. Here, girls meet regularly to learn literacy, numeracy, and other issues like reproductive health. These safe spaces also provide an opportunity for the girls to role-play and learn to advocate for themselves, develop their self-image, and practice conversations with others about their values, education being one of them. In safe spaces, Mama Habiba says, girls start to understand “who she is, and that she is a girl who has value. She has the right to negotiate with her parents on what she really feels or wants.”

“When girls are educated, they can unlock so many opportunities,” Mama Habiba says. “It will help the economy of the country. It will boost so many opportunities for the country. If they are given the opportunity, I think the sky is not the limit. It is the starting point for every girl.”

From parades, film screenings to safe spaces and educational programs, girls and local leaders are working hard to strengthen the quality, safety and accessibility of education and overcome systemic challenges. They are encouraging courageous behavior and reminding us all that education is freedom.

Experience the Pura x Malala Fund Collection here, and connect with the stories of real girls leading change across the globe.

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Tod Perry

3/16/2026

No child is perfect, and they are all bound to show some sass from time to time with a rude comment or by rolling their eyes when you speak to them. As parents, it’s our job to understand where those behaviors come from and stop them before they become ingrained parts of their personalities. A kid who’s rude at home may grow up to be the guy who gets fired for mouthing off at work.

Experts say one of the most effective ways for parents to prevent kids from being rude is to inoculate them with positivity. It’s called the 5:1 method, originally developed by famed psychologist John Gottman for couples, and it’s been found to work well with kids, too. The tactic is pretty simple: For every negative comment you make about your child, say five positive things.

A mother scolds her daughter. Photo credit: Canva

What is the 5:1 method for raising children?

Jennifer Wallace, author of Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose, explained the method on an episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast:

“Criticism impacts our kids up to five times more than a compliment does. We are wired as parents to look for the negative and to try to help our kids overcome the negative. But really, what we need to do to have that kind of connection is we need to focus on the positive things that are inherent about them. What is it about them that’s unique? For every one criticism, I need to at least have five positive interactions with my kids.”

@melrobbins
“If you want to be closer with your kids, this one’s for you. In this eye-opening episode, Jennifer Wallace shares the 5 to 1 Parenting Rule and delves into the pressure of “toxic achievement” that can leave you feeling like you’re never doing enough 👇 “Never Enough: 7 Ways to Protect Yourself (and Your Kids) From Toxic Pressure” 🔗 in bio #melrobbins #changeyourlife #mindset #createabetterlife #takecontrol #motivation #melrobbinspodcast #podcast #podcastclips #parentingadvice parenting”
♬ original sound – Mel Robbins

When kids feel safe and supported by positive interactions, they don’t feel the need to act out to get attention.

“A strong, nurturing relationship also reduces the need for children to act out to gain attention,” Dr. Carla C. Allan, a clinical psychologist, told Parents. “When attention is offered freely and consistently, behavior is less likely to escalate into attempts to be noticed.”

Constant positive attention can also improve how your child talks to themselves.

“This commentary gets internalized as their inner voice,” Olivia Bergeron, a psychotherapist, told Parents. “If it’s consistently [empathetic], kids will develop resiliency and better weather the inevitable mistakes that happen.”

A mother hugs her daughter. Photo credit: Canva

Five ways to practice the 5:1 method

1. Point out positive behaviors

If your child is struggling with their homework, you might say, “I saw how you hung in there and made it through your math, even though it was tough.”

2. Create meaningful moments

Take time out of your day to play a card game with your child or go out into the yard and play catch. Make sure to read together every day and spend time chatting when you can, undistracted by technology.

3. Practice empathy

Validate their emotions when they are frustrated or hurt. “I understand that you’re feeling upset right now” goes a lot further than “Brush it off.”

4. Provide positive reinforcement

Give your child immediate praise whenever they exhibit a positive behavior. Tell them things like, “Great job for remembering to close the bathroom door,” or “I like how you are cooperating with your sister.”

5. Give physical affection

Whenever you hold your child’s hand, hug them, or sit close to them, oxytocin—the bonding hormone—is released, bringing you closer together.

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Ellie Park breaks a board at American Tigers in Mission Viejo, California. – Photo credit: American Tigers Mission Viejo (used with permission)

Family, Kids

Tearful 8-year-old girl has a beautiful reaction to breaking a taekwondo board

There is no better feeling than confronting your fears head-on and overcoming them, especially when you feel like the odds are stacked against you. That’s why a video from American Tigers, a martial arts school in Mission Viejo, California, is so powerful. Eight-year-old Elizabeth “Ellie” Park was shaking in fear as she approached her teacher,…

Tod Perry

3/16/2026

There is no better feeling than confronting your fears head-on and overcoming them, especially when you feel like the odds are stacked against you. That’s why a video from American Tigers, a martial arts school in Mission Viejo, California, is so powerful.

Eight-year-old Elizabeth “Ellie” Park was shaking in fear as she approached her teacher, who was holding a practice board she was supposed to break with her foot. The day before, she had failed to break the boards, and her first attempt in front of a large crowd was unsuccessful.

“On the day of testing, she stared at the board shaking in fear for about a minute,” Ethan Shin, head instructor of American Tigers, told USA Today. “We had her take a break, and called her up a second time.”

Ellie’s incredible achievement

Then, on her third attempt, she broke the board with her right foot. After her tremendous accomplishment, she stood at attention, and then she just couldn’t resist giving her teacher a big hug. After regaining her composure, she broke another board and returned to sit with the rest of her class.

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“She was shaking in fear from failing on the practice boards the day before. She chose to be brave, face her fears head-on, and overcame them,” American Tigers wrote in an Instagram post. They added, “When you fail. Find the courage in yourself to try again. Be proud of your accomplishments. And take time to celebrate your wins.”

One of the commenters perfectly summed up how Ellie felt after successfully striking the board: “There’s a moment when her heart wants to hug her teacher, but ‘custom’ makes her hesitate…until.”

It’s a wonderful moment where everyone took a break from the discipline of the martial art to express joy, gratitude, and a sense of achievement.

A man practicing taekwondo. Photo credit: Canva

“One of the things I miss most about teaching taekwondo is making this kind of impact on students. Not just teaching skills, but courage and confidence,” one of the commenters wrote.

“This teacher is so beautiful. To be a safe space where she can find support and regain her confidence. Wow,” another added.

Martial arts are great for a child’s development

Children learning taekwondo. Photo credit: Canva

The video is a wonderful example of the benefits of teaching kids martial arts. Martial arts teach kids to focus on individual growth rather than competition and help them develop greater self-control and discipline. It’s also a great way for them to learn and appreciate structure.

“Martial arts is a good way to get kids more physically active and fit, and help them develop healthy exercise habits that will last a lifetime,” Cynthia LaBella, MD, from the American Academy of Pediatrics, told Colorado Parent in 2016.

Ellie’s achievement is a wonderful example of how, when we find calm and composure, we can not only confront our fears but defeat them. It’s moments like that that show why martial arts can make a big difference in a child’s life. They build confidence, resilience, and the courage to keep going, even when it feels like the odds aren’t in your favor.

Learn more about taekwondo at the American Tigers school in Mission Viejo, California.

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Other countries approach parenting very differently than we do in the U.S. – Photo credit: Canva

Family, Parenting

8 fascinating ways parenting norms in other countries differ from the U.S.

Motivational speaker Jim Rohn is credited with the idea that each of us is the average of the five people we spend the most time with. The same could be said about the way we raise our kids. Each family has its own values, traditions and way of doing things, but we can’t help adopting…

Evan Porter

3/12/2026

Motivational speaker Jim Rohn is credited with the idea that each of us is the average of the five people we spend the most time with. The same could be said about the way we raise our kids. Each family has its own values, traditions and way of doing things, but we can’t help adopting certain norms from our neighbors and the culture that surrounds us.

That’s why it’s so fascinating to compare parenting in the United States with parenting in other countries around the world. Here are a few things American parents might be surprised to learn that parents and societies around the globe do differently:

1. No kids menus

Most American restaurants feature an altered menu for children, usually with simple foods like grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, or cheeseburgers.

In many—perhaps even most—other countries, children are expected to eat smaller portions of what the adults are eating, even if it’s spicy or complex. In countries like Germany, many restaurants offer a menu item called a “robber’s plate,” an empty plate that allows kids to steal bites from their parents.

A plate of dinosaur chicken nuggets and ketchup. Photo credit: Canva

2. Homeschooling is rare

According to Pew Research, about 3.4% of American children are homeschooled. That’s a relatively small percentage, but accounts for millions of kids. American parents are keen on homeschooling for many reasons, including distrust of the moral instruction in public schools or worries about the “school environment.”

American parents who move abroad are often surprised to find that homeschooling is extremely rare or even illegal in most other countries. Its popularity is growing in the United Kingdom, but even there, only about 100,000 children are currently homeschooled. In places like Germany and the Netherlands, children are required by law to attend school.

3. Some kids are allowed to drink alcohol

The legal drinking age of 21 is strictly enforced in America, with little to no exceptions. What goes on in people’s private homes is anyone’s guess, but legally speaking, the rules are pretty black and white.

In many countries around the world—including Australia, France, Canada, and Ireland—the legal drinking age is 18, and the overall approach to alcohol is far more casual. However, there are numerous exceptions in several of these places. In the U.K., for example, 15-year-olds can have a beer or glass of wine with dinner at a restaurant as long as they’re supervised by an adult. At home, almost anything goes, with the minimum legal drinking age on private premises in the U.K. being five—although doctors strongly advise against this.

4. Postpartum care

In America, it’s common for mothers to leave the hospital about 48 to 96 hours after giving birth, depending on the delivery method and any complications. In the past, new moms would get a single postpartum checkup about six weeks later, although standards have recently changed to encourage earlier support.

Giving birth in other countries around the world can be drastically different. In the U.K., new mothers can be discharged from the hospital as soon as six hours after an uncomplicated birth, which is one of the fastest turnarounds in the world.

In China, however, it’s common for new moms to “sit the month” and take 30 to 40 days of confined rest at home or in a “birth hotel.” South Korea, meanwhile, sends about 85% of new mothers to a joriwon, a specialized postpartum care facility, for about two weeks.

5. Independent kids

In the U.S., kids are spending less time outside. Some estimates say only about 6% of children regularly play outside unsupervised, and around 11% walk or bike to school alone, a number that has fallen dramatically over time.

This is a stark difference from many other cultures around the world, where kids frequently exercise more day-to-day independence. In most European countries, at least 40% of kids walk or bike to school. Japan is famous for children as young as six taking the subway and running errands independently, thanks to high levels of social trust.

“We don’t hover and helicopter kids here like American parents,” a U.S. parent living in Switzerland wrote on Reddit. “Kids walk to school on their own in elementary. They can take public transportation on their own, and parents don’t worry.”

6. Bedtime differences

Americans march to the beat of their own drum in the evening, with kids, on average, going to bed early—and almost always in their own beds.

About 90% of American kids under 10 are in bed by 9 p.m. Bedtimes around the world, however, vary greatly, with countries in Southern Europe like Italy and Spain allowing kids to stay up past 10 or 11 p.m. for late dinners and socializing. In other places, bedtime is much more rigorous. Kids in Germany and New Zealand have some of the earliest bedtimes around.

Co-sleeping is also a major difference. Sharing a bed with your infant is on the rise in America, but it’s still recommended against by the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, the U.S. doesn’t hold a candle to countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, where more than 70% of young children share a bed with their parents.

7. Bilingual kids

About 20% of kids in the U.S. speak more than one language, usually because someone at home speaks it regularly. In many other countries around the world, learning multiple languages is far more common.

According to Quartz, “Almost every country in Europe requires students as young as six to learn a foreign language, usually English. Even more impressive, over 20 European countries (including France) require students to learn two foreign languages in school for at least one school year.”

America is far from the most monolingual country, however. Places like Hungary, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil place little importance on kids learning English or any other foreign language.

8. Greeting and talking to adults

It’s common in America for kids to be shy around adults or to have their interactions guided and supervised by a parent. In many other countries, kids are taught from a young age to formally greet adults as a show of respect.

“Greeting and talking to adults is taught early on,” wrote one U.S. parent who raised their children in Spain. “My boys always note how awkward some of their US peers are when talking to adults or public speaking. Looking into someone’s eyes when speaking is another thing they noted.”

It’s fascinating to consider alternative approaches to parenting that would seem completely inappropriate in America but tend to work just fine in many other parts of the world. American parents would probably have a hard time letting their six-year-old walk to school independently without drawing suspicion from neighbors or law enforcement. It just goes to show that not every interesting idea can be implemented everywhere, and that our unique cultures shape the way we raise our kids, for better or worse.

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A young girl with messy hands and a man playing the guitar. – Photo credit: Canva

Dads, Family

Dad turns his 3-year-old’s whimsical stories into song lyrics and people are hooked

When Stephen Spencer got his PhD in music theory and composition, he likely never imagined how he’d one day use that training to propel himself to viral fame. The composer and songwriter has always enjoyed turning everyday things into little musical ditties, or even full songs. But when he became a dad to a precocious…

Evan Porter

3/12/2026

When Stephen Spencer got his PhD in music theory and composition, he likely never imagined how he’d one day use that training to propel himself to viral fame.

The composer and songwriter has always enjoyed turning everyday things into little musical ditties, or even full songs. But when he became a dad to a precocious and creative daughter, he suddenly found himself with more inspiration than he knew what to do with.

Spencer began paying close attention when his daughter’s stories became longer and more elaborate. “She started giving me these stories—real narratives that had a beginning, middle and end combined with toddler logic and grammar—they just sounded like songs to me,” he tells Muse.

At first, he thought he’d record a few as a fun experiment to share with friends and family—sort of a musical photo album. But almost as soon as he began posting the songs on Instagram, they went far more viral than he ever could have imagined.

Spencer currently has more than 300,000 followers, even though his first “toddler songs” clip was uploaded only a few months ago.

The effortless creativity of toddlers is a joy to experience. Photo credit: Canva

The first song goes like this:

“There was a little woman/Who liked wigglin’ so much (she liked wigglin’, she just really liked wigglin’)/Her mom said/Her mommy said ‘you can’t’/So she goed to her room/And she wiggled again…”

Cute, right? Yes, it’s all very adorable—until you actually take the time to listen to Spencer’s song. Then you’ll be blown away.

His voice. The production value. The arrangement. It’s all top-notch. Frankly, the songs—which commenters have dubbed “toddler yacht rock” or “tot rock”—are far better than they have any right to be.

Check out “Wigglin’ Woman” here:

View this post on Instagram

It’s no wonder that the very first clip received nearly three million views on Instagram

And just a week or so later, Spencer was back with another banger:

“There was a purple bear princess/She was a grown up dog/She was a grown up purple bear princess dog/(What was her name?)/Uh ‘Blossom’/ (That’s a nice name)/Actually it’s ‘Crudda’”

It’s beautiful lyricism, and all parents of toddlers will relate to the hazy logic, made-up words, and impeccable improvisational skills. The fact that Spencer can turn them into genuine hits is incredible.

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Parents and their kids—heck, anyone with ears—can’t stop listening to Spencer’s tunes on repeat

“Phil Collins could have co-produced this one,” one commenter wrote.

“I may have listened to this 948572 times,” added another.

But probably the thing that’s really sticking with viewers is the amazing, unspoken bond between dad and daughter hidden in the lyrics.

“I’m imagining how happy your daughter will be once she’s older, maybe a parent herself, and revisits these videos,” someone wrote under a recent video. “You’re an amazing musical talent & a even better dad.”

In fact, Spencer says that the pure, unfiltered, joyful creativity that pours effortlessly out of his daughter has inspired both him and his music students.

“I think that children are the perfect model for how we should create as adults. There’s this unfiltered joy. You’re in the sandbox playing and not worrying about how things should be judged or appraised. … And yeah, it has inspired me as a creator. It’s also inspired me as an educator,” he says, adding that he hopes he can teach his students to follow the threads of their own joy and curiosity, the way his daughter does.

For now, Spencer has a few songs up on Spotify and potentially a handful of music videos in the works. Meanwhile, he and his daughter are still churning out new songs and will continue to do so as long as it brings them both happiness.

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A toddler in a Dalmatian costume and a shocked woman. – Photo credit: Canva

Family, Kids

Mom shares photo from her kid’s 101 Dalmatians school event that went off the rails

Schools often have fun activities scheduled for the 100th day of school. Mom Emily Haswell was prepared for the adorable school activities for her daughter. Instead of celebrating 100 days of school, the preschool decided to hold activities around the 101st day. Parents were asked to dress their children as Dalmatians, seemingly as a theme…

Jacalyn Wetzel

3/12/2026

Schools often have fun activities scheduled for the 100th day of school. Mom Emily Haswell was prepared for the adorable school activities for her daughter. Instead of celebrating 100 days of school, the preschool decided to hold activities around the 101st day.

Parents were asked to dress their children as Dalmatians, seemingly as a theme for the classic Disney movie 101 Dalmatians. But at some point, wires must have gotten crossed, cut, and thrown over a cliff. The photo sent to parents displayed something hysterically horrifying that Haswell wasn’t prepared for.

A woman looks shocked. Photo credit: Canva

“Today was my daughter’s 101st day of school,” Haswell says in an Instagram video. “So I sent her to school, all the kids went to school as Dalmatians, and they had a puppy parade. She was so excited, and I was so excited for her. And then I checked the little website to look at pictures of the day, and I gasped.”

Admittedly, the mom says some people may think of Dalmatians and their connection with firefighting, but she did not. When she prepared her daughter for the 101st day of school dressed as the spotted pooch, she assumed the activity was based on the Disney movie. But when she checked photos of her daughter’s day, it looked as if a classroom of puppies had been engulfed in flames.

Dalmatians. Photo credit: Canva

Yes, the children were all dressed as spotted puppies, seated in front of a wall of flames.

“When I saw that picture, I gasped. And I thought, ‘Now, why do they have my baby doing a hell-themed photo shoot? I had to check the paperwork,’” Haswell says before adding that a firetruck might have been a better choice. “I thought the teachers were like, ‘We’re in hell,’” she laughs.

Viewers were equally as confused as the mom, with one person saying, “Nah, because if they are locking in on 101 Dalmations/101 days of school – and even using a Disney dalmatian on the little sign the kid is holding – they canNOT mix up the themes and go ‘SURPRISE! We actually meant the fire station dalmatians, so here’s a wall-sized backdrop of a structure fire. Enjoy!’”

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A teacher guesses what actually happened, writing, “I can promise you as a teacher… There was at least one teacher who saw it and thought, ‘um, this looks like puppy children in hell,’ but the person who ordered the backdrop and put it up was really excited about it and the rest just said, ‘okay.’”

Others took the opportunity to joke about the situation: “101 Damnations. DAMNATIONS. I’m sorry you all read it wrong.”

Someone else laughs, “I’m sorry this is so insane and deeply hysterical.”

Flames (left). A Dalmatian (right). Photo credit: Canva

“The teachers are sending an SOS!” One person says.

“I mean, it’s probably better than the teachers dressing up as Cruella de Ville,” another jokes.

A firefighter’s wife chimes in, saying, “I’ve been a firefighter’s wife for over 20 years and I can tell you right now I would have been just as horrified.”

One person remembers a fire from the 101 Dalmatians movie, so maybe that’s where the idea came from: “I feel like there is a scene where they all get out of a fire? They use the soot to disguise themselves as labs lol. But this is insane, what a weird idea for a photo backdrop for kids.”

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A father and son share a close bond. – Photo credit: Canva

Dads, Family

Divorced dad shares beautiful, final bedtime routine with 11-year-old son

Watching kids grow up is one of the great honors of parenthood, but it comes with many bittersweet moments. For one man, it was letting go of a nine-year-long bedtime routine he had created with his preteen son. Redditor YoTeach68 shared his gut-wrenching and all-too-familiar parenting story with his fellow dads. He explained that he…

Emily Shiffer

3/11/2026

Watching kids grow up is one of the great honors of parenthood, but it comes with many bittersweet moments.

For one man, it was letting go of a nine-year-long bedtime routine he had created with his preteen son. Redditor YoTeach68 shared his gut-wrenching and all-too-familiar parenting story with his fellow dads.

He explained that he was a divorced dad with 50/50 custody. One way he made the most of his time with his son was by continuing a cherished bedtime routine they had done since his son was just two years old.

@4kidscallmedad
Bedtimes make me happy
♬ original sound – 4KidsCallMeDad – Jason

“We developed a whole bedtime routine that included me reading aloud to him, then talking about our day (highs and lows, that kind of thing), then me singing the same three short songs to him (songs that I learned at a summer camp when I was a kid, and the camp where he currently goes) while rubbing his back,” he shared.

As a single dad, he acknowledged that some nights were harder than others. He also knew things wouldn’t be this way forever, adding, “Obviously I couldn’t be singing to him and rubbing his back his whole life.”

After getting advice from fellow dads on when it would be appropriate to cut it off, the consensus was to let his son decide.

@wholeparent
Parent of pre-teen/ late grade school aged kids. light up every time your kid walks into the room. This is going to teach them that attention is not earned, it is just part of being in loving, caring relationship. And that attention is going to be returned back to you when they turn into a teenager. Because the number one issue parents of teams report to me is the indifference of their teenager toward them. Follow for more tips on how to have a better relationship with your kids. #parentsofteens #teeangers #raisinggoodhumans #raisegoodkids #respectfulparenting #discipline #teachrespect
♬ original sound – Jon

The final bedtime

Unfortunately, when the time finally came, he shared how he knew it was time.

“He’s 11 now, and over the past two weeks or so he’s been telling me each night that he was just going to go to bed after giving me a quick hug and that I didn’t need to read to him or anything,” he explained.

Sensing the change, he decided to talk to his son about it.

“I finally sat him down and asked him if he felt he was outgrowing the bedtime routine, and he said yes. I told him how much the bedtime routine had meant to me, because I have no memories of my own parents putting me to bed (I do have memories of a cassette player in my bed that read books aloud). I told him I hoped it had meant something to him. I asked if he would indulge me and let me put him to bed one last time, and he obliged.”

The two then did their final bedtime routine together.

“Last night we went through the routine one last time (and I even pulled out one of his favorite picture books from when he was about 5). We talked about our day. I sang the songs. I rubbed his back. Then I kissed him on the cheek, told him I would cherish the memories of putting him to bed the last nine years, turned off his light, and closed his door behind me).”

@jarah30
Watching them grow up.. #parents #kids #dads #moms #viral
♬ original sound – Josh Rogers

Dads respond

Many dads shared their emotional responses to the story:

“Welp I’m f*cking crying on the toilet as my wife and my son nap lol.”

“❤️ that was lovely. My daughter is 5 and we put her to bed with a routine every night. Sometimes it’s fun and lovely and sometimes it’s a struggle. And sometimes it’s both. And part of me is looking forward to her doing to bed herself and part of me knows I’ll miss it.”

“I’ve been thinking about this a lot with my boys lately. They’re still young, and still love the bed time routine with me and their mum. But I’m already getting emotional over the idea that one day, like you, I’ll have to do it one last time. Treasure the memories forever, as I’m sure you will. I don’t really know what else to say, but…yeah, this made me feel things even more. Kudos.”

“Lying in bed now with my snoring 4 year old, after doing our bedtime routine and this post hit hard. Giving him a big hug and kiss before I leave as always but I’m going to do it more mindfully. Hopefully he still wants me to do this until he’s 11 too. You are a great dad.”

“Damn, f*cking onions.”

A therapist explains how dads can cope

Hillary Pilotto, therapist and founder of Better Balance Counseling, Ltd., told Upworthy that this transition is a normal (albeit painful) experience that many parents face.

“At 11, kids are right in the middle of the individuation process; developmentally, they are supposed to be pulling away,” she explained. “Wanting more independence, more privacy, more of their own identify separate from mom and dad. That’s not rejection. That’s healthy.”

And this may bring some relief: it’s actually a sign of good parenting.

“A child who feels secure enough in their attachment to say ‘I’m ready to do this on my own’ is actually a sign that the bedtime routine worked,” she added.

While these may be “good” things, Pilotto acknowledged that none of that makes it easier for the parent.

“There’s a grief in these transitions that doesn’t get talked about enough,” she shared. “It is not a dramatic loss; no one died, nothing went wrong, but something real is ending and it’s okay to feel sad about that. I tell parents: you’re allowed to mourn the little kid even while you’re proud of the one standing in front of you.”

She recommended that other parents take notes from the dad who shared his story if they are going through a similar transition.

“The best thing a parent can do in these moments is what the dad did; honor it. Name it,” she said. “Show your kid that transitions matter and that it’s okay to feel two things at once. That’s a lesson that will stay with them long after the bedtime routine is gone.”

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Emmie Droubay shares her response to kids saying, “We don’t like you.” – Photo credit: @marendroubay/Instagram

Family, Kids

Mom shares daughter’s epic response to girls who bullied her, and people are applauding

It can be tough for parents to see their kids on the receiving end of unkind comments. But sometimes, we’re reminded that many kids have unshakable confidence—and actually have a thing or two to show us about what resilience really looks like. Recently, a mom named Maren Droubay shared that her young daughter Emmie was…

Heather Wake

3/11/2026

It can be tough for parents to see their kids on the receiving end of unkind comments. But sometimes, we’re reminded that many kids have unshakable confidence—and actually have a thing or two to show us about what resilience really looks like.

Recently, a mom named Maren Droubay shared that her young daughter Emmie was the target of some mean-girl bullying. A few girls had apparently told Emmie, “We don’t even like you.” Ouch.

But apparently Emmie was completely, totally, undeniably unbothered. And Droubay was so proud of her response that she shared it on Instagram.

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Holding a very apropos princess wand, Emmie recited the words:

“Well, guess what? My family thinks I’m a princess, and I’m super kind and nice…If you don’t think that, that’s okay because that’s what I think of myself, and that’s who I actually am…I know who I am.”

“I hope someday I can be as confident as she is,” Droubay wrote in her video. She added in the caption that this was “one of those moments where you realize you might be doing at least one thing right as a parent.”

Indeed, viewers credited Droubay for Emmie’s delightful resilience.

“That is the product of some A-plus parenting and a village that has poured confidence into this babygirl. May we see more of this in our kids. All of our kids,” one viewer wrote.

Another added, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if all parents talked to their children like this and they all thought they were super nice and kind. Good job, she is a sweet little princess! 🌟”

While Droubay told Upworthy that Emmie’s self-esteem comes rather naturally (“she has always been a confident girl”), she nonetheless has proactively worked to “encourage” it, mainly by “speaking to her with love.”

View this post on Instagram

“One thing I learned in college that really impacted me is that children form their sense of self in the first five years of life,” recalled Droubay. “I have tried to make them feel loved as much as I can because of that. We love the new Cinderella and so ‘have courage and be kind’ has been a repeated phrase for me with my children.”

That is a sentiment shared by experts like parenting educator Samantha Moe, who said that words of affirmation “help children feel valued and reinforce their positive qualities.” That said, many parents might be concerned, and rightfully so, that too much praise could cause a child to seek external validation. In the video below, Moe explained that even consistent “I love yous” can offer a self-esteem boost without causing dependence.

Since the encounter, Droubay has spoken to the other girls’ parents, and all is well. Her stance: “Little girls are just kids! Not every kid has the tools to be kind and is still learning. Every parent is doing their absolute best.”

And even better, Emmie has gotten to see the incredible impact her video has had and has apparently “cried happy tears” because of it. All in all, it’s a pretty happy ending. It has inspired Droubay to offer these words of encouragement to fellow parents:

“Your children only have one brief childhood, and then they go out into the world as adults. Our words have deep impact on who they will be. Every action we take as parents affects their lives—obviously I mess up as a parent all the time—but we have the power to speak love, kindness, and condolence into our kids—so why not?”

Can’t argue with that.

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A woman looking concerned. A boy in a hospital bed. – Photo credit: Canva

Family, Modern Families

Doctor adopts 5-year-old boy who showed up to heart surgery completely alone

Back in 2022, True, a five-year-old under the care of social services, was dropped off at Children’s Nebraska in Omaha for a seven-hour heart procedure. No parent, guardian, or caseworker was to be found. True had been struggling with complications from a previous open-heart surgery for his congenital heart disease, a condition that caused parts…

Heather Wake

3/11/2026

Back in 2022, True, a five-year-old under the care of social services, was dropped off at Children’s Nebraska in Omaha for a seven-hour heart procedure. No parent, guardian, or caseworker was to be found.

True had been struggling with complications from a previous open-heart surgery for his congenital heart disease, a condition that caused parts of his heart to be underdeveloped. Unfortunately, his caseworker had COVID-19 at the time, leaving True to face the surgery alone.

A fateful encounter

After spotting him in the pre-op room, pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist Dr. Amy Beethe “could not stop staring” at the sweet child’s face throughout the surgery, CBS News reported.

“It just took me back that this four-year-old kid was undergoing heart surgery and no one was there,” she told KETV.

Despite already having six children of her own, Beethe couldn’t shake the connection she felt to True and called her husband Ryan to discuss making him their seventh child.

“I just said, ‘we need to have a talk when we get home and I need ya to have an open mind,’” Beethe recalled.

Though initially “hesitant,” Ryan nonetheless agreed that “it just felt right.” A year and a half later, True was adopted.

“It didn’t take long to fall in love with him and know that we needed him in our family,” Ryan told KETV.

The story doesn’t end there, however

Beethe and her husband knew that True had five siblings in the same foster care situation and not only worked to get them adopted into stable homes, but also into homes within Beethe’s community—including her sister, her sister-in-law, and a coworker. This ensured the entire family stayed in close contact.

The couple even adopted True’s older sister, Laney, bringing the family to eight children in total. While the now 10-year-old will need a full heart transplant in the future, he won’t be facing those challenges alone.

The effects of sibling separation in foster care

Sibling separation is recognized as a significant, yet common issue in the child welfare system. It is estimated that between 53% and 80% of siblings in foster care are separated from one or more of their brothers or sisters. This is either because the foster home is not large enough to accommodate them, because of different care needs, or because of the timing of their removal. It makes an already traumatic situation worse—potentially leading to long-term mental health issues, substance abuse, academic struggles, difficulties maintaining close relationships, and a lasting feeling of rejection.

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The fact that Beethe could keep all six siblings together is nothing short of a miracle. She hopes their story will inspire others to consider taking in a foster child: “They are like a little flower bud that just blossoms. If more people would do it, it would change the world.”

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